Certificate Program FAQ

Do you hold any information sessions for the certificate program?

Yes, information sessions are generally held during the fall and spring semesters. For more information and to RSVP, please visit the Virtual Open House & Recruitment Information page.

How long is the certificate program?

It is a 9 month, 20-credit certificate program covering two traditional semesters – fall and spring. 

Are the certificate program courses held at George Mason University or Georgetown University?

The G2 program is located on the Manassas, Virginia SciTech campus of George Mason University. The courses are taught by faculty members from both schools. The cadaver lab component will be held at Georgetown University.

What is the tuition for the ABS Certificate Program?

View our tuition page for information specific to the ABS Certificate Program.

Do you offer any scholarships?

Yes, we will be offering scholarships for the 2023-2024 cohort. Please contact us for more information.

How many students are in the certificate program?

Enrollment is generally between 80 to 100 students per year.

Are the classes for the program held during weekdays, evenings, or weekends?

All classes are held during the day, but not on weekends.

How are classes structured?

Courses are offered in (1) traditional lecture format, (2) in small group, discussion-based hybrid/flipped format, or (3) an online/flipped format. Lectures can accommodate up to 100 students and the hybrid classes can accommodate up to 25 students. All lectures are recorded and posted online for students to review. Courses in the G2 Program are similar to the framework of the first year of professional school in regards to the rigor, volume of information, test structure, etc. *You will select your preferred learning style once admitted to the program*

What are hybrid/flipped classes?

Students in the hybrid/flipped program do not attend lectures in person, but view recordings of the lectures on their own. Typically one or two days after the lectures are given, hybrid students meet on campus in a small class setting (20-25 students) to explore the material further. Students who prefer small classes, more focused review, alternate approaches (e.g., case studies, new problem sets, individual/team-based quizzes to confirm understanding, etc.), and self-learning should seriously consider the hybrid program. You will have the option to choose which class you want to attend — lecture, hybrid/flipped, or online/flipped — after being admitted to the program. You cannot attend both lecture and hybrid/flipped classes, as the class times overlap.

What is the purpose of the post-baccalaureate certificate program?

This program provides excellent advanced science preparation for health professions including medical, dental and other healthcare-related advanced studies. It also includes preparation for professional school entrance examinations (MCAT, DAT, etc.), and outstanding advising and support towards your professional goals.

Will I have time to hold part-time or full-time employment while enrolled in the certificate program?

There is definitely a lot of enrichment in our program to support both the classes as well as medical school applications. While it is possible to work part-time, it is strongly discouraged.

Does your certificate program have a direct linkage for admission to or interview with Georgetown University’s School of Medicine?

No; we have good working relations with a large number of medical schools but no formal articulation or linkage agreements. While we understand the reason for having such agreements, we also note that such agreements can also create unhealthy competition among students for limited seats in the partner schools, focus on just one or a few destination medical schools, and are normally not absolute guarantees for interviews, let alone admission to those schools. We feel it better to advise and support students for a range of possible options. As can be seen in our list of schools attended by G2 alumni, we do not feel that our program limits possibilities of success for our students. 

Where can I find more information about financial aid for this program?

Please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid for more information about financial aid and how to apply. George Mason University school code for the financial aid application is 003749.

Do you offer on-campus housing?

Yes! New on-campus graduate housing is available at the Science and Technology Campus! If you are interested in on-campus housing, you must apply and be accepted early. By mid-June, on-campus housing may no longer be an option. Students can also rent apartments/houses off campus.

Do the program semester dates follow the traditional schedule of semesters?

The graduate certificate program follows a traditional semester system. Courses are taken concurrently and the program begins in late August.  There is a winter break that runs from mid-December through mid-January. The program generally is completed by mid-May. For eligible students who choose to complete an MS at Georgetown University during the summer, their summer studies generally begin in the second week of June.

If I am accepted into the graduate certificate program, will I still have an opportunity to earn a master’s degree if I’m interested?

Yes!  Students who successfully complete the graduate certificate program (20 graduate credits) can apply to Georgetown University for the summer term to complete a minimum of 10 remaining graduate credits in order to earn an MS in physiology or other related fields. Students can also pursue a master's degree at George Mason, typically in either biology or biochemistry.